Whereas, the Southeast Como Improvement Association has had a dedicated group of volunteers active on its Environment Committee since 1999, and has had a full-time Environmental Coordinator since 2001; and,

Whereas, the Southeast Como Improvement Association, through the efforts of its Environment Committee, has negotiated and signed Good Neighbor Agreements with three local manufacturing businesses, Ritrama Inc, Rock-Tenn Company, and Greatbatch Globe Tool, preventing the release of more than 1,300 tons of Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs) into the air; and,

Whereas, between the years of 2001 and 2006, Rock-Tenn and Ritrama reduced VOC emissions by ninety-two percent, due in large part to SECIA’s efforts; and,

Whereas, the Good Neighbor Agreement with Greatbatch Globe Tool, by which the company committed to move towards those reductions, was signed in May 2008; and,

Whereas, the City of Saint Paul recognized SECIA’s environmental leadership with an award in 2007 for contributing to St. Paul’s Sustainability goals; and,

Whereas, SECIA distributed more than 70 retractable clotheslines as part of a City of Minneapolis “Mobilizing Citizens for Grassroots Climate Change” grant in 2007, helping reduce unnecessary carbon dioxide emissions; and,

Whereas, more than one hundred and fifty residents participated in an organic lawn care program organized by SECIA in 2005-2006; and,

Whereas, SECIA organized the Southeast Como Solar Pilot Project, in which seventeen solar thermal systems were installed, twelve in Minneapolis and five in Saint Paul; and,

Whereas, SECIA was instrumental in building the coalition between environmental, civic, and neighborhood groups which helped convince Xcel Energy to convert the Riverside and High bridge coal-burning power plants to natural gas; and,

Whereas, SECIA has been chosen to receive the 2008 Governor’s Award for Pollution Prevention for their work on the Good Neighbor Agreements,

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Minneapolis congratulates the Southeast Como Improvement Association and honors the good work done by its staff, board, and volunteers to help make Minneapolis a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city.

Be it Further Resolved that the City of Minneapolis thanks the Southeast Como Improvement Association for helping the City move toward meeting our sustainability targets.